Pair of Terps Take Home ACC Weekly Honors

Maryland Athletics

9-16-2013

GREENSBORO, N.C. –University of Maryland linebacker Marcus Whitfield and defensive back Dexter McDougle were honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday. Whitfield was voted ACC Linebacker of the Week, while McDougle earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors, in Maryland’s 32-21 win at Connecticut on Saturday.

Whitfield led a defensive attack that sacked UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer six times, the most sacks by Maryland since the Terps recorded six against Virginia on Oct. 1, 2005.

The senior from Germantown, Md., recorded a career-high three sacks, which is tied for the highest single-game total in the country this season. Whitfield’s final sack resulted in a safety as Whitmer was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone in an attempt to avoid the on-coming linebacker. On the season, Whitfield leads the nation with 5.5 sacks.

In the secondary, McDougle set a career high with two interceptions, returning one 49 yards for a touchdown. McDougle is the first Terrapin to return an interception for a touchdown since teammate A.J. Hendy took one back against NC State on Nov. 26, 2011. The native of Falmouth, Va., also finished with eight tackles, seven of which were solo.

McDougle now has two touchdowns in his career. Against NC State on Nov. 26, 2011, McDougle scooped up a fumble and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown. He is one of seven active players in the ACC with two or more non-offensive touchdowns.

Maryland improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2001 with the victory over the Huskies. The Terps play host to West Virginia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.